Classic Beef Shepherd's Pie
This classic Shepherd's Pie brings warmth and flavor to your table, a beloved comfort food often enjoyed as winter transitions to spring. A rich, savory filling of seasoned ground beef, tender peas, and carrots is simmered to perfection, then crowned with a generous layer of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes, baked until golden and bubbly. It's a wholesome meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare for the whole family.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Cook the potatoes: Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well. Mash the potatoes, then stir in milk, 30g (2 tbsp) of butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- 2Prepare the beef filling: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and the remaining 30g (2 tbsp) butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- 3Sauté vegetables and build flavor: Add chopped onion and diced carrots to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 4Simmer the filling: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the frozen peas, then season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5Assemble and bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the beef filling evenly in the bottom of the skillet (if oven-safe) or transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Carefully spoon or pipe the mashed potato topping over the beef, spreading it to the edges. You can create decorative ridges with a fork for extra crispiness.
- 6Bake until golden: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?
Yes, absolutely! Traditionally, Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb, while a 'Cottage Pie' uses beef. Using ground lamb will give it a slightly different, richer flavor profile that many enjoy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire pie (meat filling and mashed potato topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or until heated through and golden.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warm.
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RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.
